Surviving Valentine’s Day: Do’s & Don’ts for The Savvy Single

Once upon a time, Valentine’s Day conjured up fear and dread in the hearts of singles. No more! With a fresh perspective, a healthy dose of hindsight, and your friends, Valentine’s Day can be just as fun for the savvy single as it is for the happily hooked up. By putting into practice the following do’s and don’ts, you’ll rock your single and ready to mingle self on Valentine’s Day and beyond.

Do: Give Thanks For The Ones That Got Away

Remember all those “have to have him or I’ll die” obsessive loves from your past? Wish them well and count your blessings. Better yet, blow a kiss to the cosmos for divine intervention! They were SO not the one for you! And luckily, you’re now free to find someone better suited for you. Love that!

Don’t: Feel Sorry For Yourself

For Being Single Rather than sit around and mope about your single and ready to mingle status, refocus your efforts on Valentine’s Day by practicing random acts of kindness. Pay a visit to the elderly and bring them cupcakes and a smile. Shower your fellow savvy single girlfriends with affection and fanfare. Give your pampered pooches lots of Valentine’s Day smooches. With a little perspective, you’ll have a whole lot more fun!

Do: Spend The Day With Your Friends

Instead of sitting on your couch crying into your cosmo on Valentine’s Day, invite your gal pals over for a singles soiree of board games and cocktails, a decadent dinner party, a movie marathon, or a pampering evening of mani-pedis. Long live the single girl!

Don’t: Drunk Dial Your Ex(es)

It’s okay to get a little lonely on Valentine’s Day. But that’s no excuse to drink like a fashionable fish and drunk dial your ex(es). In fact, if you feel the urge to email, instant message, or text on the big day, stop, turn off the technology, and reboot your brain. No good can come from a weak moment down memory lane. Just say no to reconnecting with former flames!

Do: Celebrate Your Single Status

Sometimes it’s hard to remember the many ways being single rocks, but guess what? On Valentine’s Day, it’s essential to celebrate the fact that you can spend your hard-earned money with wild abandon, primp and preen like the glamour girl you are without having to share the mirror, and sleep as late as you want on weekends. Not to mention you enjoy the freedom to go anywhere, do anything, and flirt frivolously without having to answer to anyone.

Don’t: Be Ashamed Of Your Single Status

If and when you run across a frienemy or some other hazardous human who tries to make you feel inferior for being single on February 14th, summon your inner strength and remind them as well as yourself that you don’t need anyone on your arm to feel super sassy. Being single is a state of mind and yours is oh-so-fabulous!

Do: Splurge On Yourself

Go ahead – on Valentines Day buy yourself something special. Treat yourself to a girl-tastic gift (a little bling, a heavenly massage, or those killer heels you’ve been coveting perhaps?). Splurge without guilt because you deserve a little extra TLC on the big day!

Don’t: Even Think Of Going On A First Or Blind Date

Even if you meet someone kind of cool right before Valentine’s Day, don’t set your first date for the big day. Talk about pressure and mismanaged expectations! Plus, being surrounded by couples kissing and cuddling is sure to make a first date awkward and uncomfortable. Instead, schedule that first date for the following week. In doing so, you’re off to a much more fun and freeing start with someone new!

As a savvy single, Valentine’s Day is nothing to stress about. By following the do’s and don’ts above, you’re sure to celebrate your single and fabulous self on February 14th and every day that follows. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Read on for similar articles in eHarmony Advice’s Stages of Love road map!